Maithri, a non-government organisation, which has been functioning in the field of suicide prevention since 1995, celebrates its 15th anniversary this year.
“In the last 15 years, about 25,000 people have availed of its services. This includes people belonging to all age groups, different professions and socio-economic status,” says C.J. John, chief psychiatrist at the Medical Trust Hospital and a board member of the Maithri Foundation Trust, in a communication issued to propagate the ideals of the organisation.
Listening to one's woes empathetically often helps to bring back people to life. But in the modern day when time is the most valuable commodity it's not that easy to find many listeners around. “That's where we come in. Our volunteers turn caring and empathetic listeners. Naturally, people confessing to suicidal tendencies don't like to reveal their identities. That our service can be availed of over phone and even through emails do help evoke confidence,” says Rajesh R. Pillai, director of Maithri.
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Maithri conducts awareness programmes on suicide prevention and training programmes for teachers to help students in emotional distress.
The round-the-clock hotline to help assuage the emotional stress of students and parents at the time of the announcement of public examination results was perhaps first initiated by Maithri back in 1997.
Maithri is on the look-out for volunteers and funds. Donations to Maithri, whichhave been granted income tax exemption, can be sent by cheque or demand draft payable to the Director, Maithri, ICTA-Shantigram, Changampuzha Nagar (P.O.), Kalamassery, Kochi -682 033.
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Maithri's office at Kalamassery is open on all weekdays between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. For more details contact 2540530 or log on to www.maithrikochi.org Emails could also be sent to maithrihelp@gmail.com